Cruise Shipping Policy Moots Marina in Goa

The central government’s Cruise Shipping Policy, formulated this year, moots the development of marinas for yachts and small boats at all important coastal tourist destinations like Goa, Cochin, Chennai, etc. These facilities are to be develped on the public-private partnership (PPP) model, on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis wherever possible.

This information was given by Union Minister of Shipping G K Vasan in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The policy emphasises the importance of Cruise Shipping as a path breaking development to showcase India as a major source and destination of world tourism.

Cruise Shipping can earn foreign exchange for the country, generate enormous employment opportunities and simultaneously promote people to people contact, which will result in enhancing India’s friendly ties with foreign countries, the policy says.

It recommends measures conducive to the growth of tourism like development of port facilities, connectivity by rail, road, transport, air and metro, quick completion of immigration formalities, hassle free customs clearance and proper waste disposal systems, ensuring cleaner seas.

If cruising is made more affordable, the Indian middle class could be a huge market. The world’s favourite cruising areas – the Carribean, the Mediterranean and Alaska, as well as South East Asia – have become saturated, and there is a tremendous opportunity in the Indian Ocean region for cruise shipping.

To boost cruise tourism, the Ministry of Tourism provides central financial assistance to state governments under the following schemes:

• Product/infrastructure development for destinations and circuits
• Large revenue generating project
• Assistance to central agencies for infrastructure development

In addition, cruise shipping in India has been given relaxation in Cabotage (the right to ply from one domestic port to another) for cruise ships for a period of 10 years, and up to 50 per cent rebate in vessel-related charges, including berth hire, pilotage, etc, at all ports. Cruise shipping is also being promoted through brochures, CDs and distribution of publicity material.

Source : http://oheraldo.in